Team River Runner‘s sixth annual Wausau Whitewater Weekend was a huge success this past weekend, with 128 vets, volunteers and family members. This was by far our best-organized Wausau weekend ever, thanks in large part to event organizers Tom Schrader, Linda “LT” Tomsevics and Craig Esposito. A big “thank you” to all donors and all volunteers who carried boats, provided in-water instruction and safety, wrangled gear, served meals, provided transportation and housing, and filled all the roles that made this event happen! Here are a few photos from the weekend. Well, more than a few.
I had the honor of guiding Deanna (AKA “Coach”) during the event, a visually impaired U.S. Army veteran and former school teacher and coach from the Minneapolis area. Coach and I started out in a two-person inflatable kayak and then progressed to two solo kayaks, with me shouting “on me” commands so she could follow my voice through the rapids. This was good practice for my upcoming Team River Runner Grand Canyon trip in which I will help guide blind veterans kayaking the river.
However, I’m pretty sure Coach’s favorite thing about her weekend was running the dam, Big Drop and surfing a wave in a two-person hard-shell kayak with John McConville. (See video below.)
For even more photos on Facebook, check out this link to photos by Rob Duberstein.
Next up, our Team River Runner Apostle Islands kayak camping trip begins this Saturday!
I love that there are so many paddlers out there willing to give their time and expertise to this kind of effort. Thank you!
You are so right! Without the help of so many volunteers, events like this could not take place.
Looks to have been a fabulous event. As a veteran myself, thanks to all the volunteers that make these events happen. I am excited to be a volunteer for the Apostles trip.
Thanks, John. Looking forward to having you along!